Aggros - Rise Of The Aggros

Aggros is the new instrumental hardcore/metal band by Parris Mayhew, who is best known as the songwriter and founding member of the iconic NYHC band The Cro-Mags. Aggros is not on a label, they are 100% D.I.Y. and their music videos are only viewable on Parris' YouTube channel, which is an interesting way to engage with fans and build a following.
 
The band's debut album, "Rise Of The Aggros", brings you 5 songs that blend elements of hardcore, punk, thrash, and progressive rock. The album features COBZ on drums, Chuck Lenihan (Crumbsuckers) on guitar, and on the track “Fear View Mirror”, Roy Mayorga (Ministry, Stone Sour, Nausea) joins in on drums. Each song is driven by intricate guitar riffs, dynamic drumming, and powerful bass lines. What's particularly impressive about Aggros is their ability to create a heavy sound without the use of vocals. Each song stands on its own, the instruments do all the talking. This allows listeners to focus on the music itself, which is expertly crafted and executed.
 
My all-time favorite instrumental punk album has been Greg Ginns’ (Black Flag) side project, “Gone - Let's Get Gone, Real Gone For a Change”. It took 38yrs for another really good instrumental album to be released, do yourself a favor and check out "Rise Of The Aggros", you won't be disappointed! Available now on CD, Vinyl, and as a digital download at www.aggros.nyc.

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Bloodclot - Souls

To finish off 2022, NYHC legend John Joseph dropped his 3^rd studio album of his revived “Bloodclot” project titled, “Souls”. The band pre-dates the Cro-Mags, back when John was a roadie for the Bad Brains in the early 80’s. Throughout the years, Bloodclot always featured a solid line-up made up of all-stars such as, Darryl Jenifer (Bad Brains), Nick Oliveri (Queens of the Stone Age, Kyuss), Joey Castillo (Wasted Youth, Danzig), Todd Youth (Warzone, Agnostic Front, Murphy’s Law), just to name a few. The band’s latest incarnation features guitarist Tom Capone (Quicksand, Beyond), bassist Craig Setari (Sick of It All, Agnostic Front, Straight Ahead), and drummer Darren Morgenthaler (Madball, Maximum Penalty). 

“Souls” features six new songs, plus a cover of the Bad Brains “How Low Can a Punk Get". The opening track comes straight at you, dishing out an intense aggression that gets your blood pumping right from the start. The songs are all well written, you can feel the passion and energy that went into recording this album. The production sounds great, and the crossover hardcore style has a good balance. In my opinion, John's vocal work on this album is his best yet. It’s more creative and well thought out, especially on “Infectious” which is my favorite track. 

I feel this is “Bloodclots” best release to date. It’s currently streaming on all platforms and it's also available on vinyl in different color variants. Upstate Records has sold out of the vinyl, so if you see one out there, snatch it up!

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CPG - Elusive Asylum

Christopher Gaudett is a musician from Saint Stephen, Canada, who has played guitar in numerous bands, including “Black Ice” and “Born to the Purple”. Now residing in Huntsville, Ontario, Canada, he’s been recording, producing, mixing and mastering his own music at his home recording studio under the name, “CPG”.

“Elusive Asylum” is the latest 8-song release from CPG. Available on 12” vinyl, “Elusive Asylum” gets your headbanging right away. Kicking it off with “Dreams Remain”, the song delivers power chords and guitar solos with good lyrics to compliment. “Dreams remain! They stay inside, you think they died. Still they stay! Not put away what you feel is real”. CPG brings some diversity with “Holding You” and shows off some guitar skills in “T&D”, “2 X the Lie”, and “Last Breath”. My personal favorite is “Vengeance”, the song brings an old school crossover vibe to the mix. “Vengeance! My vengeance in flames. Your soul played the game. I saw what you got. A life full of shame. Vengeance! My vengeance is flames”.

“Elusive Asylum” is also available in digital format and CD, which both include an extra song, “Waterline”. If you’re into bands like Wrecking Crew, D.R.I. and Corrosion of Conformity, you’ll appreciate “Elusive Asylum”. Very recommended.

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First Six Dischord Records

Last year, Dischord Records announced the "mail order only" release of Dischord #200, a box set to commemorate the labels 40th anniversary. The box set features re-issues of the first six releases in their original 7″ vinyl format. The music is remastered, sleeves and lyric sheets are reproduced from the original art, and also includes a 12-page booklet. After numerous delays due to Covid outbreaks, equipment breakdowns, supply chain issues, shipping delays, and being held up at the ports, Dischord #200 is now arriving in peoples mailboxes. 

 

The first six Dischord releases are:

Dischord #1 – The Teen Idles “Minor Disturbance” 8-song EP

Dischord #2 – S.O.A. “No Policy” 10-song EP (Green Vinyl)

Dischord #3 – Minor Threat “Minor Threat” 8-song EP

Dischord #4 – Government Issue “Legless Bull” 10-song EP

Dischord #5 – Minor Threat “In My Eyes” 4-song EP (Red Vinyl)

Dischord #6 – Youth Brigade “Possible” 7-song EP

 

The box set also includes a surprise 7" with 5 never released songs by The Slinkees, the first band of Ian MacKaye and Jeff Nelson. The band was Mark Sullivan (Vocals), Geordie Grindle (Guitar), Ian MacKaye (Bass), and Jeff Nelson (Drums). The 7” was recorded on cassette tape in the basement of Jeff’s parents’ home in Washington, D.C. on August 21st, 1979. It comes in a collage style sleeve, insert with photos, and a written history of the band.

 “First six” is a fantastic box set with great audio and quality art. It's a great catch for those who scored a copy for $50 from Dischord.

Sick Of It All Pete - God Save Ukraine

To kick off 2022, “Pete Koller” (of the legendary NYHC band “Sick Of It All”), has released a few singles on Bandcamp as “Sick Of It All Pete”. The first few singles dish out straight up hardcore. Keeping the songs short and raw, signature SOIA style.

The latest single from “Sick Of It All Pete”, has him teaming up with brother “Lou Koller” for an adaptation of The Sex Pistols “God Save The Queen”. The lyrics have been updated by Lori Dawn, Pete, and Mei-Ling Koller, to make up their own rendition. “God save Ukraine, from Putin's regime. That evil moron, his hands on the bomb!”. The track is available on Bandcamp with the proceeds going to UNICEF to help with the people displaced by the Russian invasion.

The brothers also pay tribute to fellow NYHC alumni, Agnostic Front. Covering “With Time” from their 1984 debut album, “Victim in Pain”. On his Bandcamp page, Pete writes, “Me and my brother Lou always loved this song from Agnostic Front…. I remember when AF would play this one at CBGB’s we would get real low CREEPY CRAWLY style..” 

The Creepy Crawl dance was the rev up to the mayhem that was about to hit the dance floor. I’m looking forward to what other crazy dance styles Pete will bring back next. If you're a SOIA fan, you'll dig what "Sick Of It All Pete" is up to.

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Spike Polite & Sewage - Pandemonium

“Pandemonium” is the new 6-song CD from New York City punk rock veterans Spike Polite & Sewage. The trio includes: Spike Polite (Vocals/Guitar), Michelle Shocked (Bass/Vocals), and Anthony Romano (Drums).

“Pandemonium” kicks things off with Police Brutality, singing about the systemic abuse of authority. The song starts off a bit slow, at first I found it a bit odd for an opening track, but it quickly picked up and grabbed my attention. I soon found myself bopping my head to “Police brutality must stop! Poor minorities choked & shot!”. By the second song, I was singing along. “Rent strike! Hole in the walls. Rent strike! Mold spores. Rent strike! Roaches are bold, they don't give a fuck!” As the songs played on, the music had me reminiscing of the 1980s in New York City, mostly about the Lower East Side and the bands of the era.

Spike Polite & Sewage bring back that straight up, old school punk sound with “Pandemonium”. If your musical taste includes the likes of GBH, The Exploited, GG Allin, Nausea, (A).P.P.L.(E), you’ll definitely enjoy “Pandemonium”. The CD is available now on Rotten Bastard Records.

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Sharp Violet - On Scenic Lake Copiague

Sharp Violet is a feminist punk band from Lindenhurst, NY. The band has released a few singles since their inception in 2016. On November 13, 2021, Sharp Violet released their long-awaited debut album, “On Scenic Lake Copiague”. The album features 6 new tracks and introduces the bands new drummer C-Roll to the fold. 

“On Scenic Lake Copiague” holds nothing back. Delivering pure, raw punk, with just the right amount of distortion. Singing about revenge, strangers in your head, boys and candy, all with very catchy lyrics. “Caffeine, Caffeine, under your skin. Caffeine, Caffeine, let it sink in. Caffeine Caffeine, just let me in”. My personal favorite is the bands cover of The Nerves, "Hanging on the Telephone". Many have covered the song, most famously Blondie, but Sharp Violets take comes off like they are really having fun covering the song.

Sharp Violets greatest asset is their interplay and how they seem to anticipate each other’s moves. “On Scenic Lake Copiague” is a solid release. Volume is a must, for their sound deserves to be felt, as much as to be heard.

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Mad Mulligans - Who are the Mad Mulligans?

The Mad Mulligans are a relatively new band from New York City. The band released their debut album, “Who are the Mad Mulligans?”, on December 30th, 2020. Members consist of Johnny Kray and Albee Damned (The Krays), Wynn Cicalo (The Krays, Skism, Wrench, American Eagle) along with Rich O’Brien from Darkside NYC. “Who are the Mad Mulligans?” is on two different labels. The one on Rotten Bastard Records is the US version, currently on its third edition. On March 22nd, 2021, a remastered version with a bonus track, “Divided We Fall”, was released on the UK label, Dammit Records. 

The 8 tracks on “Who are the Mad Mulligans?” have a Punk and Oi feel with an 80’s sound. The band likes to mix things up by sharing vocal duties, producing solid performances all around. The more I listen to “Who are the Mad Mulligans?”, the more I like it. The album is full of great choruses and guitars riffs, there isn’t a song I don’t like. If I had to pick a favorite, it would be “Bricks and Batteries”. I catch myself singing along each time, “Time to take 'em down woah oh. Grab their fucking crown woah oh. Drag ‘em through the town woah oh. Burn it fucking down woah oh”. 

This is a great debut and is well worth checking out. If you’re into bands like Sham 69, The Business, and The Cockney Rejects, this one’s for you.

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Skism - 2021

Skism is a band from New York City, featuring members from The Krays, American Eagle, Wrench, and the Mad Mulligans. On their Facebook page, the band describe themselves as an “anti-social, angst ridden, hyperactive punks who pound out driving music with screaming vocals, fast guitars and pounding drums, with old school punk, hardcore and oi influences.”

Their latest release titled “2021”, is published by Rotten Bastard Records and features 9 songs that are guaranteed to get you all fired up! Listing off the issue of the day with loud guitars, pounding drums, and harsh vocals, the songs are short and to-the-point. The band does a great job combining hardcore punk with the classic British punk sound. My personal favorite, “Nomad”, has a killer D.O.A. guitar style with a 7-Seconds like chorus. “Can’t stay long, I’m on the move. Can’t play right, out of the groove. Don’t even care, nothing to lose. Can’t stay long, I’m on the move”.

“2021” is a special treat for fans of eighties hardcore punk music. The overall sound of this release reminds me of the bands like, Iron Cross, Wrecking Crew, Supertouch, and Warzone. If you are a fan of any of those bands, give Skism a listen, you won’t be disappointed.  

The “2021” CD is available on Rotten Bastard Records, and digitally on Bandcamp.

Cro-Mags - 2020

Last Summer, the Cro-Mags released their first album in 20 years. Six months later, the band released a new six song EP titled, "2020” (now available digitally worldwide). A release date for the physical release has been announced. “2020” will be released on April 9, 2021, as a limited three-part colored 7" vinyl box set, 10" colored vinyl, and CD. 

“2020” picks up where “In The Beginning” left off, opening with “Age of Quarantine”. The song starts with a heavy instrumental opening, before the track speeds up and the vocals join in. Somewhat reminiscent of the opening song from “The Age of Quarrel - We Gotta know”, it made me want to dive off my couch and wreck my living room, as if I were at a hardcore show. “Age of Quarantine” is a great opening song for what’s to come.

“2020” is an aggressive, harsh and brutal EP with Harley’s vocals sounding more ferocious than ever. Singing about relevant issues of today, Covid-19, BLM, racial divisions, the economy, all with a punch in your face force. The band displays their diversity brilliantly, bringing a bit of hip-hop, hardcore, punk, thrash, and even a cool dub intro on “Violence and Destruction”. 

The Cro-Mags have a tumultuous history, so it’s kind of fitting they make their return during one of the most turbulent time in our lifetime. “2020” is a must have for any Cro-Mags fan, you can grab yours here.

South Shore Royals

During quarantine, musicians were left with few options to rehearse, perform and record. They had to find ways to continue being creative, without exposure to the virus. About 30 days into lockdown, DIY recordings started popping up online. One release that has been on my regular rotation the past few months, is the demo from South Shore Royals. 

I reached out to bassist, Lewis Dimmick (Our Gang, True Colors, My Rifle), to get the lowdown on how these recordings came about. Lew, “So I play bass, my buddy Mike D plays guitar, and my buddy Billy sings. Mike, formerly of Kill Your Idols and Sheer Terror, recorded the guitar at his house and put it over a drum machine. I did bass and Billy did vocals on our phones with voice notes, and Mike slipped them into the track. Easy as that!”

South Shore Royals play tight Hardcore Punk. Mixing speed and mid-tempo songs with thoughtfully structured transitions and great vocal harmonies. You quickly detect the oi influences that complement their music in the best way. The flow of the demo had my feet tapping, as I forgot they were playing along to a drum machine. My favorite song is “Never Die”, but every song brings something different to the fold. 

South Shore Royals sound extremely promising, I look forward to hearing more music from the band. Their brand of music has a compelling sound that stands out in so many ways. Their demo was originally released with 4 songs, but the band has recently added 4 more! You can snatch their demo on Bandcamp.

Cro-Mags - In The Beginning

After two decades without a full-length release, having second-degree felony assault and weapons possession charges dropped (for allegedly stabbing and biting Cro-Mag members), and a legal battle for the rights of the band name, comes a pilgrimage unlike any other. Harley Flanagan brings us the return of the Cro-Mags with, “In The Beginning”. This release sees the return of ex-Suicidal Tendencies guitarist Rocky George (Revenge), and guitarist Gabby Abularach (Alpha Omega, Near Death Experience), with drummer Garry Sullivan joining the fold (Previously in Harley's War, Activator, Painmuseum, and Smokescreen).

“In The Beginning” delivers 13 tracks filled with everything a die-hard fan would hope for. Kicking it off with the 3 songs from the “Don't Give In” EP, bringing you raw and rowdy New York hardcore. Harley’s vocals still sound menacing, and his bass playing sounds as great as ever. This album sounds like the Cro-Mags of old, what many fans expected after “Best Wishes”. My personal favorites are “From the Grave", featuring Phil Campbell of Motörhead, and the instrumental “Between Wars”. “Between Wars” manages to bring down the dynamics in preparation for the send off with “No Turning Back” and “There Was a Time”.

This reincarnation of the band brings back the sound that is reminiscence of the bands prime, leaning more towards the crossover style that bought us “The Age of Quarrel”. “In The Beginning” is a new era that is playing out like a new beginning, and that is nothing but great news!

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